Rio Fredinard to become a professional boxer, 2 years after retiring from football

Rio Fredinard, who posted training videos to his social media accounts and jokingly challenging professional boxers such as Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew and David Haye to a fight in recent months, has announced plan to become a professional boxer, two years after retiring from football.

The 38-year-old former Manchester United defender, said he’s taking up the sport to stay fit in retirement from football and to channel his grief after the death of his wife, as he’s also expected to reveal more details at a press conference in London later today. His training will be filmed for a TV documentary series, as he aims to have his first fight as its concluding episode.

“The chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw. Boxing is an amazing sport for the mind and the body. I have always had a passion for it and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show people what’s possible. It’s a challenge I’m not taking lightly, clearly not everyone can become a professional boxer, but with the team of experts Betfair are putting together and the drive I have to succeed, anything is possible” said Ferdinand.

Footballers like former Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse, and the former Norwich striker Leon McKenzie made the switch to boxing with some success.